Method, system, and storage medium for validating users of communications services and messages transmitted

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a method, system, and storage medium for validating users of communications services. The method includes generating records for communications service users by at least one service provider. The records store information relating to the communications service users including legal liability information, an originator type code, and a validation code assigned to selected originator type codes. The validation code facilitates validation of the communications service users. The method also includes storing the records in a subscriber classification database. The originator type code classifies the communications service users according to nature of use, communications type, business type, geography, and age.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/712,527 filed Nov. 13, 2003, the contents of which are incorporatedby reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to electronicmessaging tools and, more particularly, to a method, system, and storagemedium for validating users of communications services.

In addition to the exchange of personal communications, email messaging,telephone communications, facsimile transmissions, instant messaging,etc. are increasingly becoming popular tools for marketing purposes aswell. As a result, many messaging system users have been inundated withlarge quantities of unsolicited messages that are often unwelcome and/orof little or no value to the recipient. Further, a large amount of thesecommunications can slow down a user's processor, consume a great deal ofmemory, carry viruses, and distract the user from the important messagesthat must be individually filtered. For the providers of communicationservices, there is a significant cost to carry large quantities ofunsolicited traffic, and it does not make economic sense for them toincur this cost if their subscribers do not wish to receive thesecommunications.

Preventing these unsolicited communications is difficult since theoriginators often disguise their intentions by frequently changing theiridentities and message. Accordingly, it would be desirable to be able tovalidate originators of messages and identify the messages intentions.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The foregoing discussed drawbacks and deficiencies of the prior art areovercome or alleviated by a method, system, and storage medium forvalidating users of communications services.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a method, system, andstorage medium for validating users of communications services. Themethod includes generating records for communications service users byat least one service provider. The records store information relating tothe communications service users including legal liability information,an originator type code, and a validation code assigned to selectedoriginator type codes. The validation code facilitates validation of thecommunications service users. The method also includes storing therecords in a subscriber classification database. The originator typecode classifies the communications service users according to subjectmatter such as nature of use, communications type, geography, age, andbusiness type. It will be understood that any additional classificationsmay be added to, or substituted for, the above classifications in orderto realize the advantages of the invention. Other classifiers mayinclude government, politics/voting, solicitations/information,charities/nonprofit, emergencies, etc.

Embodiments of the system include an originating communications devicein communication with a first service provider and a recipientcommunications device in communication with a second service provider.The first and second service providers are in communication with oneanother via a communications network. The system also includes acertified communications system executing over the communicationsnetwork. The certified communications system includes a subscriberclassification database storing records of users of the communicationsservices. The records store information relating to the communicationsservice users such as legal liability information, an originator typecode, and a validation code assigned to selected originator type codes.The validation code is used to facilitate validation of thecommunications service users. The originator type code classifies thecommunications device users according to nature of use, a communicationstype, business type, geography, and/or age. The certified communicationssystem receives communications from originating communications serviceusers via the first service provider and retrieves associated records.If the associated record contains a validation code, the certifiedcommunications system appends the originator type code to thecommunication and transmits the communication to the recipientcommunications service user via the second service provider along withthe originator type code.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toembodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponreview of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computerprogram products be included within this description, be within thescope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring to the exemplary drawings wherein like elements are numberedalike in the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system upon which the certifiedcommunications system is implemented in accordance with exemplaryembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing a process of registering general users(end users) for the certified communications system services inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart describing a process of registering serviceproviders with a central agency for the purpose of becoming ‘validators’for the certified communications system in accordance with embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart describing a process of implementing the certifiedcommunications system in accordance with embodiments of the invention;and

FIG. 5 illustrates a sample computer screen window as seen by a generaluser registrant of the certified communications system, in accordancewith embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a method, system, and storage medium for validatingusers of communications services in order to enable service users todistinguish undesirable messages from relevant messages. Forms ofcommunication that may be serviced by the certified communicationssystem include email messaging, voicemail, facsimile transmissions,multimedia messaging, short message service (SMS), instant messaging,telephony, etc. The certified communications system is deviceindependent in that it validates users of a variety of existingcommunications devices such as telephones, wireless devices (e.g.,laptops, PDAs, cellular telephones), computers, facsimile machines,answering machines, etc. A validation database of communications serviceusers are maintained by one or more communications service validatorsand examined whenever a communications transmission is initiated. If theservice user has a subscription record in the database, a validationflag is associated with the message which is then forwarded on throughthe network. Validation codes and originator type codes are associatedwith the subscription records that provide information about the messagesender. Subscribing recipients of the certified communications systemmay also provide validation criteria through their subscription recordsin order to specify the types of communications they authorize a serviceprovider to forward to them or flag before forwarding to them. Thecertified communications system may be implemented on any type ofexisting communications network system such as point-to-point andpoint-to-multipoint communications networks as well as a public switchedtelephone network (PSTN), wireless, SMS, MMS, IP, WiFi, LAN, WAN,broadcast, video, radio, VoIP, etc.

Validation of a communications service user refers to the official orformal sanctioning of a communications service user to the extent thattheir communications activities are traceable and the service useraccountable. Validation, as referred to herein, does not necessarilyresult in authentication in that the sender's name, as seen by arecipient, may not in all instances be the sender's actual name.However, validation signifies that there is a person or entity that isnow accountable for their actions.

The certified communications system is described in FIG. 1 with respectto a specific type of communications device, namely computer systems.However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that thecertified communications system services are applicable to other typesof communications devices as well. Thus, the description provided inFIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes, and should not be interpreted aslimiting in scope.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of anetwork system for implementing the certified communications system inexemplary embodiments of the invention. Network system 100 includes acomputer client system 102 in communication with a service provider 104via a network connection.

Computer client systems 102 and 110 maybe general-purpose desktopcomputers that subscribe to an Internet service provider and may eachinclude an email application, instant messaging system software, a webbrowser application, and/or any other suitable programs that reside inmemory and execute on computer client systems 102, 110. It will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the certified communicationssystem of the invention may be executed on systems with variantarchitectures. Computer client systems 102, 110 are in communicationwith other entities of network system 100 via a network connection suchas the Internet or other suitable means of networking architecture.Computer client system 102 as the sender of a message is also referredto herein as “originating communications device”, and computer clientsystem 110 as a recipient of the message is referred to herein as“terminating communications device.”

Computer client systems 102 and 110 each subscribe to a communicationsplan via service providers 104 and 112, respectively. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 1, service providers 104 and 112 are Internet serviceproviders (ISPs) and provide Internet services to computer clients 102and 110 under a subscription plan. Generally, service providers receivemessage transmissions from computer clients and forward them onto otherservice providers in accordance with the messaging instructionscontained in the message address. The other service providers thenforward the messages onto the appropriate computer client systems.

Service providers 104 and 112 each comprise a server 106 and 114,respectively, for receiving and transmitting communications betweensubscribing computer client systems 102 and 110. Servers 106 and 114,may each comprise a high-powered multiprocessor computer deviceincluding web server and applications server software for receivingrequests from computer client systems 102 and 110 to access email orother messaging services via the Internet or other network. While onlytwo servers 106 and 114 are shown, it will be understood that any numberof servers may be used by service providers 104 and 112 in order torealize the advantages of the invention. In the system of FIG. 1,service providers 104 and 112 are also referred to herein ascommunication service validators in that they perform the validationservices of the certified communications system as described herein, inaddition to providing traditional communication services (e.g., Internetservice, telephone service, etc.). It will be understood that thirdparty entities may provide the validation services of the certifiedcommunications system under an agreement with the service providers.

Service providers 104 and 112 further comprise subscriptionclassification databases 108 and 116, respectively, for storingsubscriber account records 115 as described further herein (seegenerally FIG. 4). Subscriber account records 115 include subscriberinformation, originator type codes, validation codes, and profiles thatinclude business rules adopted by the subscriber. Participating serviceproviders classify their subscribers into categories based on use,communications type, geography, age, etc. Some of these categories maybe defined by a centralized body (e.g., standards or industryassociation). These categories may include consumer, business,telemarketing, and undefined. A consumer classification refers to asubscriber who sends personal communications. A business classificationrefers to subscribers associated with a business or whose primary use isbusiness related. A telemarketing classification refers to subscriberswho plan to use this mode of communications for solicitations. Anundefined classification is reserved for subscribers who would prefernot to identify themselves or their intentions. For example, asubscriber may wish to associate with a personal or professional onlinechat room without revealing his/her identity. Subscribers with undefinedclassifications will not receive validation and no validation code isassociated with the subscriber. By providing this option, a subscribermay selectively toggle between classifications as needed. For example, asubscriber in a consumer classification may wish to be validated withcertain recipients and forego validation with other recipients dependingupon the subscriber's circumstances. Likewise, a subscriber may togglebetween validation and validation suppression with respect to a singlerecipient. In a telephone environment, for example, a subscriber may sethis/her telephone to accept all consumer calls, limit business callsbetween 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and block all telemarketing calls orundefined callers. In the event a friend is calling a subscriber fromhis/her workplace, the certified communications system provides anoption to allow the subscriber to override the classification ofreceived communications via business rules specified in the subscriber'sprofile. This may also include a caller announcement function wherebythe identity of the sender is announced to the subscriber. Exceptions tothe business rules may be enabled by a subscriber through the use of anexception report that indicates any exceptions to the prohibitedmessages defined in the business rules. By having subscribers declaretheir intentions, receivers of communications may easily screen theirmessages.

Also included in FIG. 1 is a central agency entity 118 including aserver 120 and certified user database 122. Central agency entity 118regulates the service providers 104 and 112 to ensure the integrity ofthe authorized communications system services. Service providers 104,112 register with central agency entity 118 in order to become certifiedparticipants in the system. Once registered, service provider records124 indicating their status are stored in certified user database 122.Registration activities for service providers and other users arefurther described in FIG. 2.

In one embodiment, central agency 118 executes the certifiedcommunications system and allows subscribing clients such as computerclient systems 102, 110, as well as service providers 104 and 112 toaccess its features and functions as described further herein. Inalternate embodiments, service providers themselves execute thecertified communications system. In yet a further embodiment, clientsystems 102 and 110 share execution of the certified communicationssystem with either of service provider systems 104, 112 or centralagency entity 118 and may store the certified communications softwareinternally. In alternate embodiments, service providers 104 and 112 areInternet service providers that provide email messaging services andmaintain a client base of email users. It will be understood that otherembodiments, in addition to those specified above, are contemplated bythe certified communications system and that the above representationsare made for illustrative purposes and should not be construed aslimiting in scope.

The certified communications system further comprises a graphical userinterface 117 for enabling users of computer client systems 102 and 110define criteria for determining relevant or desirable messages asdesired. Sample computer screen 400 of FIG. 4 illustrates the featuresof the certified communications system graphical user interface 117.

As indicated above, the certified communications system may be executedas a standalone application that is installed or downloaded on acomputer client system or may be incorporated into an existing messagingapplication or similar commercially-available product as an enhancementfeature. Further, as indicated above, the features of the certifiedcommunications system may be provided via a third party applicationservice provider (ASP) or e-utilities broker where service is providedfor a per-use fee in alternative embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing the process of registering serviceproviders with a central agency 118 to become validators for thecertified communications system. The certified communications systemreceives a request to register from a service provider at step 202. Aservice provider record 124 is created by the certified communicationssystem at step 204. At step 206, contact information is collected forthe registrant such as provider name, address, contact, and othersimilar types of information. The certified communications systemassigns a validation code to the record 124 at step 208. This may beaccomplished by assigning the validation code to the routing address ofthe communications service user. At step 210, the completed serviceprovider record 124 is stored in certified user database 122 and theservice provider becomes a certified participant in the system.

Registration for general users will now be described in FIG. 3. Arequest to register is received from a general user (e.g., a user ofcomputer client systems 102, 110) at step 302. A subscriber accountrecord 115 is created at step 304. A sample computer screen window 500of FIG. 5 illustrates a registration web page of user interface 117 asseen by a general user. Contact information 502, 506 is gathered by thecertified communications system at step 306. The certifiedcommunications system assigns an originator type code 504 in accordancewith the information provided by the registrant at step 308. Avalidation code is assigned at step 310. A validation code may compriseany indicia desired that facilitates the certification of thesubscriber. For example, the subscriber's email address 502 may be usedas a validation code. In this manner, validation may be processed bysending an email with a unique transaction number to the subscriberrequesting that he/she open the email and activate the subscription byclicking on a URL and entering the transaction number. Thus, the user'semail account is confirmed to be a valid and accurate source of contactinformation for the subscriber. The certified communications systemcontemplates various other ways to validate a subscriber in addition tothe above example. For example, a subscriber who accesses the servicesof the certified communication system under a fee agreement may berequired to provide financial account information such as personal bankaccount or credit card information. This account information could beused for validation as well. A validation code may be presented in anyform that is capable of distinguishing a validated message from anon-validated message. For example, a validation code may comprise asymbol, a letter, a word, a picture, or a sound.

Business rules as shown in subwindows 510 and 512 may also be specifiedby the registrant at step 312. At step 314, the subscriber accountrecord 115 is stored in applicable subscriber classification database108, 116.

Once a general user registrant has provided the information above inFIG. 3, the user may begin to use the certified communications systemservices as described in FIG. 4. At step 402, a communicationtransmission (message) is received by a service provider 104 from anoriginating user at computer client system 102. The certifiedcommunications system accesses subscriber classification database 108and retrieves the subscriber account record 115 associated with thesender of the transmission at step 404. At step 406, it is determinedwhether the message is valid by checking the originator type codeassociated with the sender and the subject line of the message. Ifvalid, the certified communications system flags the message andforwards it on to the recipient at step 408. The originating serviceprovider 104 appends the originator type code and validation code to thesubject line of the email. The validation code includes an encrypted keythat the receiving service provider 112 must decrypt in order tovalidate the authenticity of the originating service provider 104 andoriginator type code. This appendage, or flag, may comprise varioustypes of indicia for identifying and distinguishing the validatedmessages from those that are not validated. If not valid, one of severalpossible actions may be taken. The message may be discarded entirely atstep 412, placed in a queue of invalid messages 414, forwarded to therecipient without a flag at step 410, or returned to the sender at step416. If options at steps 412 or 416 are selected, the process ends asthe recipient never receives the communication.

The receiving (also referred to as terminal) service provider 112 (ifdifferent from the originating service provider) receives thetransmission from any of steps 408, 410, or 414 at step 418. Similar tostep 406, the message is examined for validity at step 420. Thecertified communications system checks the profile information (see FIG.5, 510-514) and acts in accordance with the recipient subscriber'sprofile. One of several actions may be performed based upon the resultsof step 420. If the message is valid, the message is forwarded with aflag to the recipient at computer client system 110 at step 422. If themessage is not valid, it may be returned to the sender at step 424 orforwarded to the recipient without a flag at step 426, thus,distinguishing the message from those identified as valid.Alternatively, the message may be discarded at step 428, or placed in amessage queue at step 430. Once the message is forwarded, a recipient isable to acquire information about the message and the message senderwithout engaging in a full communication engagement or establishing acommunications session with the originator. For example, the recipientreceives a telephone transmission that indicates via the originator typecode that the caller is a telemarketer. The recipient has learned ofthis information without answering the telephone call. Likewise, arecipient of an email, instant message, or other communication mayacquire this information before engaging in a communications sessionwith the calling party as well.

As will be appreciated from the above description, the restrictions andlimitations that exist with messaging systems are efficiently overcome.Validation codes and originator type codes are associated withsubscription records of communications service users which provideinformation about the users. Users provide validation criteria throughtheir subscription records in order to specify the types of messagesthey authorize a service provider to forward to them or flag beforeforwarding to them. This allows the users to effectively screencommunications before opening them.

As described above, embodiments may be in the form ofcomputer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing thoseprocesses. In exemplary embodiments, the invention is embodied incomputer program code executed by one or more network elements.Embodiments include computer program code containing instructionsembodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, harddrives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when thecomputer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, thecomputer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. Embodimentsinclude computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storagemedium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted oversome transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling,through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, whenthe computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, thecomputer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. Whenimplemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer programcode segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logiccircuits.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying outthis invention, but that the invention will include all embodimentsfalling within the scope of the claims.

1. A communications device for validating a sender of a communication,said communications device in communication with a service provider viaa network, said communications device comprising: a communicationinitiated by an originating communications device; a means for assigninga purpose to said communication; and a means for conveying a validationstatus associated with said communication, said validation statuscomprising at least one of: valid; and invalid; wherein said validationstatus is operable for assigning accountability to a sender of saidcommunication; a link to a service validator; and a link to a recordstoring information relating to said sender of said communication, saidrecord including: legal liability information; an originator type codeassociated with said user operable for identifying said purpose of acommunication, said originator type code: and a validation code assignedto selected originator type codes, said validation code operable forfacilitating said validation status of said sender; wherein uponinitiation of said communication by said originating communicationsdevice, said service validator performs: retrieving said record; and ifsaid record contains said validation code, appending said originatortype code to said communication; and alerting said recipientcommunications device of said communication.
 2. The communicationsdevice of claim 1, further comprising: a means for conveying saidpurpose and said validation status to a recipient communications devicebefore establishing a communications session between said originatingcommunications device and said recipient communications device.
 3. Thecommunications device of claim 1, wherein said validation code includesone or more of: a symbol; a letter; a word; a picture; and a sound.